Texas agriculture report

Sunday

Feb 23, 2014 at 12:01 AM

The week began with cold fronts and ice in some areas of the state followed by warmer temperatures toward the end of the week. Only parts of Northeast Texas and the Upper Coast saw up to 1 inch of precipitation. While the remainder of the state only received trace amounts, if any at all. According to the most recent Drought Monitor, Texas is rated mostly in a moderate drought, with parts of the Panhandle in a severe to extreme drought.

» Small grains: Small grains in the Cross Timbers show severe signs of drought. The recent cold fronts in the Blacklands took a toll on wheat fields, causing them to grow at a slow pace. Oat fields have been set back due to the recent freezing temperatures.

» Row crops: Corn planting in the Upper Coast has been delayed due to the limited amount of soil moisture. Producers in the Northern High Plains are preparing their fields for corn, sorghum and cotton planting.

» Fruit, vegetable and specialty crop: Spring vegetable planting is under way in the Lower Valley. The spring vegetable crop looks promising as long as there are no late freezes. The onion crop is progressing well. Spinach harvest was very active in the Upper Coast.

» Livestock, range and pasture: Cattle producers in the Northern High Plains welcomed the warmer temperatures as they prepare for the spring calving season. Supplemental feeding continued. Pasture and ponds are in need of significant moisture across the state.

» Dairy: Texas milk production totaled 845 million pounds during January, up 3.3 percent from last year's production of 818 million pounds. December 2013 production totaled 801 million pounds.

The number of dairy cows during January averaged 440,000 head, up 5,000 from last year but unchanged from the December 2013 number. Production per cow averaged 1,920 pounds during January, 40 pounds higher than last year and 100 pounds higher than December 2013.

Milk production in the 23 states participating in the monthly survey totaled 16.1 billion pounds during January 2014, up 1.0 percent from production in these same states during January 2013. December revised production, at 15.7 billion pounds, was down 0.3 percent from December 2012.

Production per cow during January averaged 1,891 pounds, 17 pounds above a year ago. The average number of milk cows in the 23 states was 8.51 million head, 7 thousand head higher than last year and 6 thousand head higher than December 2013.

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